Credit: Joel (coconutwireless), FlickrFor decades, Disneyland’s ticket booths have been an iconic part of the park experience. The clatter of coins, the rustle of ticket books, and the first excited “hello!” from a Cast Member behind the window have marked the official start of countless adventures. But as of today, that chapter of Disneyland history has officially closed: the ticket booths near the tram drop-off at the park entrance are permanently gone.
The news first surfaced on Reddit, where a guest shared their experience navigating the park this week:
“I was at the parks today and had a ticket question and a cast member directed me to the ticket windows by lost and found and told me that they were told as of today the ticket booths are permanently closed so if anyone has any magic key/ticket issues or wants to buy a magic key/ticket go there. I’m talking about the ticket booths closest to the tram drop off, the other ones by Harbor are still open for the DAS people.”
This announcement has left some longtime visitors feeling nostalgic, while others see it as a natural evolution of how Disney does business in the 2020s. As more and more ticket sales move online, the need for physical booths—once a hub of energy and anticipation—is diminishing. But for fans who grew up lining up to buy tickets on the day of their visit, this is undeniably the end of an era.
Why the Change Happened
While Disneyland hasn’t issued a formal statement explaining the closures, the Reddit thread and other sources offer some context. Several users pointed out that the Downtown Disney–side ticket booths are being removed to improve crowd flow for the construction of Porto’s Bakery, which is set to replace Earl of Sandwich. One Redditor wrote:
“The Downtown Disney side ones are being removed so there is space for crowd flow for the Porto’s building. The ones on the east side of the promenade will remain.”
Another added:
“Good to know. But sounds about right, because word on the street was that some of them were gong to be demolished for the upcoming Porto’s…which is replacing Earl of Sandwich. Besides, most tickets are being bought online these days, so I don’t see a need for ticket booths anymore.”
Guests visiting the park this week have had to adjust to the change. One Reddit user described wandering around briefly while trying to renew a Magic Key:
“I was told the same thing. Went to renew my Magic Key (I put money down to reduce the monthly payment) and wandered around for a couple minutes, so confused, until we found a CM and were directed to the windows by Lost and Found.”
These comments give insight into how Disney is redirecting guests while still providing assistance for ticket purchases, Magic Key renewals, and other related services. The physical booths near the tram drop-off are gone, but the ones on the east side of the promenade near Harbor Boulevard remain for accessibility services and DAS (Disability Access Service) needs.
A Nod to Nostalgia
For fans who have been visiting Disneyland for decades, ticket booths are more than just functional—they’re sentimental. The simple act of purchasing a ticket, holding it in hand, and stepping into the park was a rite of passage. Some guests remember lining up at these windows in the early days, exchanging stories with Cast Members, or buying souvenirs from adjacent stands.
Though technology has changed the way guests buy tickets, the closure of these booths serves as a reminder of the park’s evolution. Magic Keys, online ticket sales, and mobile apps have made purchasing tickets faster and more convenient, but they can’t replicate the tactile joy of that first paper ticket. There’s a certain charm lost when these physical touchpoints disappear, and longtime fans are feeling the impact.
How Guests Will Navigate Tickets Now
The permanent closure of these booths doesn’t leave guests stranded, but it does shift the dynamic of entering the park. All standard ticketing questions and Magic Key transactions are now directed to the relocated windows by Lost and Found. Guests seeking accessible services or needing assistance with DAS cards can still find support at the remaining ticket booths on the east side of the promenade near Harbor Boulevard.
Disney has invested heavily in digital systems over the last decade, including mobile ticketing, app-based reservations, and online payment plans. For new visitors, these systems are straightforward and efficient, but for those who have relied on the physical booths, there may be a short adjustment period.
Fortunately, Cast Members are stationed to guide guests to the correct windows, ensuring that even those unfamiliar with the new layout won’t be left confused.
The closure of the tram drop-off ticket booths is a clear example of Disneyland’s broader approach: balancing nostalgia with practicality. As the park continues to evolve, it’s inevitable that certain traditions—like the physical act of buying a ticket at the gate—will change or disappear.
Meanwhile, the Downtown Disney construction project, including Porto’s Bakery, is expected to draw heavy crowds, making the removal of these booths a sensible decision from a logistical standpoint. Streamlining entrance areas helps with both safety and traffic flow, particularly during peak periods.
For fans, this change is bittersweet. It’s the end of a familiar ritual, but it’s also a sign of progress, reflecting the park’s ongoing commitment to convenience, efficiency, and innovation. Guests may now spend less time standing in line and more time enjoying the rides, attractions, and dining experiences that make Disneyland a one-of-a-kind destination.
A Farewell to an Icon
While Disneyland continues to embrace technology and modern convenience, the physical ticket booths will live on in memories. Generations of park-goers remember clutching their tickets with excitement, knowing that the adventure was about to begin. Even as the park changes around them, these memories remain a tangible link to the past.
In the end, the closure of the tram drop-off ticket booths may seem like a small operational update, but for fans who have experienced the park in every era, it’s a symbolic milestone: a reminder that Disneyland is always evolving, while still holding onto the magic that has made it the happiest place on Earth.
For anyone planning a visit, the takeaway is simple: tickets are now primarily digital, but help is still available for those who need it. Just head to the Lost and Found windows, and let the adventure begin—paper tickets optional.